"The next bill before me is Introductory number 547 sponsored at the request of the Administration by Council Members Foster, Weprin, Palma, Seabrook and Rivera.  This bill establishes the 161st Street Business Improvement District in the Bronx.

"Business Improvement Districts - also known as BIDs - are community organizations that are voluntarily formed to promote business development and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods across the City.  Established by local law, BIDs are self-funded by local property owners and are overseen by the City's Department of Small Business Services.  The 161st Street BID will provide maintenance and sanitation services, holiday lighting and decoration, marketing and promotion of its shopping strip, beautification of its community, administration, and other promotion and enhancement of the district.  The services provided to the communities by BIDs are essential to ensuring small businesses, and the neighborhoods in which they operate, are given every opportunity to succeed. 

"BIDs are a proven example of how public/private partnerships can promote economic development.  This bill will further the fundamental role that BIDs have played in the economic development of our neighborhoods and in the renaissance of New York City.

"I would like to thank Rob Walsh, the Commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services and his staff for their role in shepherding the City's 52nd BID through the approval process.  I also want to acknowledge the members of the 161st Street Business Improvement District Steering Committee, and the Council for their important contributions throughout this process."